Dangle Ear Cuff

Skill Level: Intermediate

Technique: Round Wire Design

An ear cuff is a great way to decorate ears that have not been pierced. To wear one, the center of this design wraps around the center of the ear, easy! Variations can be made that incorporate all types of beads, crystals, chain, etc.

Tip: Although this design is for one ear cuff and two are shown in the photo, if you choose to make a matching pair, make both ear cuffs at the same time, working one step on one cuff and then mirroring the same step on the other.

Materials

• 1 15" 20-gauge round dead soft wire
• 3 6mm round beads
• 4 6mm bead caps
• 1 5mm daisy spacer

Tools

• Flat Nose Pliers
• Round Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Small Mandrel
• Ruler
• Marker

Instructions

1. Using the very tip of your round nose pliers, make a P-loop on the end of the 15" (25cm) round wire. Continue coiling with the round nose pliers until you have one and a half coils. Now, hold the loop with flat nose pliers and gradually spin one more spiral.
   
   
   

2. When you have 2 ½ spirals, grab the wire with your round nose pliers as shown. Bend the wire and make half a coil.
   
   
   
   

3. From the center of the spiral, measure ½" (13mm) down the straight wire and use round nose pliers to make a bend, heading back towards the spiral.
   
   

4. From the curve just made, measure down the straight wire about 1" and use round nose pliers to make another bend, heading up and away from the spiral. (The spiral should now be located midway between both curves).
   
   

5. Measure down the straight wire about 1" and make a 90° bend heading up and away. Measure 2 inches up this new angle and cut. Slide a 6mm round bead and a 6mm bead cap onto this wire (which is now the top of the ear cuff).
   
   

6. From the top end of the wire, make a coil, heading down toward and ending at, the top of the bead cap
   
   

7. With the very tip of round nose pliers, grab the wire immediately under the spiral and bow the spiral, so it is centered.
   
   

8. Place this half-finished ear cuff on round mandrel (or a pen) and start shaping it. You may want to round the cuff in parts (wire, spiral, and beaded spiral). Round the back of the cuff as well.
   
   
   
   

9. Your ear cuff should now look like this. Try it on and adjust the cuff to comfortably fit your ear. It can now be worn as it is, or you can continue and add a matching dangle.
   
   
   

10. On the remaining round wire, make a 3 ½ turned spiral
    
    

11. Use flat nose pliers to make a 90° bend at the center, top of the spiral.
    
    

12. Add the remaining bead selection and use round nose pliers to form a simple loop at the top, perpendicular to the direction of the spiral.
    
    
    

13. Use the loop to attach the dangle to the bottom of the ear cuff.
    
    

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